The body of a suspected East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group member was found in the Puna River in Tangkura village, South Poso Pesisir district, Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

No identity card was found on the body but based on his physically distinct features, authorities suspected he was Andika Eka Putra, alias Andika, alias Hilal, a terrorist suspect included on the police’s most-wanted list (DPO) from Poso.

“The finding was based on a report from locals who said they found a dead body in the Puna River,” said Operation Tinombala task force spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Hari Suprapto on Wednesday.

After receiving the report, a task force team was dispatched to the location to take and move the body to the Poso General Hospital.

The force also reported that its personnel had arrested Basri, alias Bagong, one of MIT top figures. Both Basri and Andika’s body are on their way from Poso to the Central Sulawesi Police headquarters in Palu.

It was earlier reported that Basri took the position of MIT leader following the death of Santoso, alias Abu Wardah, during an ambush on July 18. Basri was convicted of mutilating a junior high school student in Poso and was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2007. He managed to escape, joined Santoso’s group in 2013 and became his second-in-command. (ebf)